WWW.DANCINGTIMES.CO.UK • JUNE 2016 • 87

Marianka Swain previews the ESSDA European Championships in Helsinki

Below: Piia Korpi and Santra Rinne. Inset: Helsinki from the air.

Stepping OutThe same-sex ballroom and Latin dance scene

Photographs: Main picture OSKAR MARCHOCK. Inset VISIT HELSINKI JUSSI HELLSTEN.

“W e’re very proud to be organising

EuroGames – this is the biggest LGBTI sport event ever held in Finland,” says co-ordinator Kari Kaurala. “We have a large group of enthusiastic volunteers who, together with the professional adjudicators and offi cials, will make it a success.”

This is the second debuting host nation in a row, following last year’s Stockholm EuroGames. “It’s often interesting

to see how a new place deals with hosting such an event, and the dancing in particular,” observes Hadass Armon, female co-president of ESSDA.

With so many participants, the European Championships is a high-standard competition. Term-time scheduling has taken its toll – this year’s event takes place from June 30 to July 2 – and Hadass does note numbers in the women’s competition usually outstrip the men’s. She’d love to see that gender balance improve.

However, she’s delighted with ESSDA’s work to promote same-sex dancing, “and make our competitions excellent and fair.” There’s also strong UK representation

in 2016, second only to Germany. Attractions in Helsinki include a gala night, “which is often a highlight, as competitors and non-competitors get to dance together.”

Kari is thrilled to welcome athletes from Europe and beyond to experience “the friendly Helsinki spirit. We have Helsinki Pride at the same time, so it will certainly be fun!”

It’s particularly meaningful for the country’s leading same-sex couple, Piia Korpi and Santra Rinne, who are both competing and coaching other Finnish dancers. “We’re really

excited and happy to enter the competition fl oor in our home city,” says Piia. “It’s the fi rst time ever an international same-sex dance competition has been held in Finland, and now that it’s the European Championships, it’s even more special. This is, naturally, the main competition of the year for us, and we’re looking forward to giving our best there in front of the home audience.

“In recent years we have quite successfully introduced same-sex dancing in Finland, and it’s become more and more popular. As there are categories from beginner’s level to the top, Helsinki will provide a great chance for our new couples to take their fi rst steps in the competition world.” ■

For more information, visit eurogameshelsinki.org.